The transport of Li+ within thick graphite electrodes has been deemed to be a key factor affecting the fast-charging performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, how to effectively enhance the kinetics of this process while regulating the Li plating behavior remains a challenge in the current research on graphite anodes. Herein, we propose a mediated ion redistribution strategy based on in situ lithiated antiperovskite nitride (LiCo3ZnN), tailored to suppress Li dendrite growth and enhance fast-charging performance of LIBs. By integrating density functional theory (DFT) calculations, finite element analysis (FEA) simulations, and in situ spectroscopic techniques, we demonstrate that LiCo3ZnN not only facilitates rapid Li+ transport within the electrode through its adsorption effect but also acts as a lithiophilic mediator to convert irreversible "dead Li" into reversible "active Li". Consequently, the modified anode (Co3ZnN@Gr) exhibits an outstanding comprehensive performance. Specifically, it achieves a capacity retention of 88.64% after 400 cycles at 4C in Co3ZnN@Gr||NCM622 cells with a high cathode loading of 20 mg cm-2. Notably, in pouch cells, it maintains 85.82% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 4C. This work holds significant promise for advancing fast-charging LIBs, thereby paving the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Huang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.